Leslie was just closing the door behind her, when Annie called after her.
“By the way,” she said; “there is no key in this lock; do you know where it is?”
“I took it out,” said Leslie.
“Took it out! And why, may I ask? Have the goodness to find it and put it back.”
“But don’t lock me out, please, Annie. You know on occasions you are absent-minded, and one-half of this room is mine when all’s said and done. I pay for it, and I have a right to it.”
The unexpected words of spirit caused Annie to become a little less rude.
“Oh, I won’t lock you out,” she said; “but I must have the key. Please find it before you go.”
Jane Heriot’s voice was heard in the passage.
“If you two are ready,” she called out, “we may as well start.”
“Coming in a moment, Jane,” answered Leslie. She found the key, which she had put in the top drawer of her wardrobe, and gave it to Annie. As she walked down the corridor she heard it being turned in the lock.